Manuel Neuer: Holding the ring up This ring is like our ultimate goal! Will you be my partner for life?
Hi Manuel, do you miss playing football?
Hey there! Football will always be my first love, but I'm really excited about this new chapter in my life.
Is it true that you are a fan of chess?
Yes, it's true! I've always had a passion for chess. It's a game that requires strategy and focus - skills that I've honed over the years.
Do you think the football field is similar to a chessboard? And if so, why?
Absolutely! A football field is like a grand chessboard - both games involve strategy and planning.
Can you elaborate on what you mean by that?
In chess, each piece has its own unique movements and capabilities, and the key to winning is understanding how to maneuver them effectively. It's similar to football - each player has their own strengths and weaknesses, and the coach's job is to strategize and make sure everyone is playing their part optimally.
So, you could be both the coach and the player in a football match?
Ha! That would be a dream come true - but in reality, I don't have the ability to be in two places at once! I trust my teammates to do their part, and I focus on doing mine.
You're one of the most efficient goalkeepers in the world, they should be lucky to have you on their team.
Thank you! I've worked incredibly hard to get to where I am today, and I'm grateful to be considered one of the best. But I know that there's always room for improvement, and I'll continue to push myself to stay on top of my game.
What does "on top" mean in this context?
When I say "on top," I mean staying the number one goalkeeper in the world. I want to continue to be the best and help my team win championships!
Okay, let's talk about the present. Are you currently playing football?
Unfortunately, I'm not on the pitch right now, but I'm still involved in the sport through my role as the president of the Manuel Neuer Academy.
Wow, that's amazing! Is that your brainchild or did you partner with someone?
I founded the academy myself, with the goal of giving young players an opportunity to develop their skills and reach their full potential.
How does it work? Do you fly around the world to different locations and train kids?
Haha, I wish I had the time and energy to do that! Instead, we partner with local clubs and coaches who are dedicated to developing young talent.
So, you build partnerships with other clubs.
Exactly! We collaborate with them to provide coaching, mentorship, and resources to help grow the next generation of football stars.
Are there any famous people who are associated with your academy?
We're proud to have some very famous and talented individuals as part of our team!
If you don't mind me asking, who would these people be?
We're lucky to have some incredible footballing legends as part of our team, including the likes of Franz Beckenbauer, Oliver Kahn, and Ewald Metzler.
Are they all German like yourself?
You guessed it! All of our partners are from Germany, but we're making a real impact on the global stage.
That's awesome, it's definitely not an easy thing to accomplish.
I couldn't agree more! But we're not stopping there. Our goal is to spread our reach and impact even more young players around the world.